Community encouraged to help build playground near Fresno State

FRESNO, Calif. (KFSN) -- Fresno city leaders are encouraging the community to come out and roll up their sleeves to help build a playground near Fresno State on Saturday.

A dirt lot in the El Dorado Neighborhood near Fresno State doesn't look like much now, but it will soon be home to a safe haven for children. As part of Fresno Mayor Ashley Swearengin's push to encourage community involvement, the city along with the nonprofit Stone Soup Fresno is set to build a playground.

"The city of Fresno is delighted to be a partner in this project and to celebrate the success of the residents, the community leaders who have come together and help make this possible," said Swearengin.

City leaders are inviting everyone to join in for Saturday's build.

"Volunteers are gathering at 8 o'clock in the morning, and those folks who may be watching this on TV or hearing it for the first time on the news are welcomed to come; we need as many people as possible," said Swearengin.

The project was made possible thanks to donations and sponsorships.

"This community was the old sin city a long time ago, and Stone Soup has been around since that time. They really help the kids grow out of this community," said Stone Soup Board President Victor Thao.

Along with the playground addition, Thao says the foundation will launch a preschool program in the fall to provide more resources for the El Dorado Neighborhood.

"We'll have programs here for our 0 to 5 in our preschool program here," said Thao. "Monday through Friday they'll be able to use the facilities, but on the weekends we plan to open it up to the community so everyone can use it."